Can Beta Blockers Help With Anxiety? Here's What to Know

June 30, 2025

Beta blockers are commonly prescribed for heart conditions like chest pain, high blood pressure and heart arrhythmias. Recently, beta blockers have gained attention for their potential to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety like sweating, racing heart and trembling.

While not FDA-approved for this purpose, beta blockers can be an effective tool for people who experience situational or performance anxiety. However, they’re not right for everyone. Trygve Dolber, MD, a psychiatrist at University Hospitals, shares more about beta blockers – how they work and who might benefit from them.

How Do Beta Blockers Work?

Beta blockers slow the heart rate and reduce its workload. They do this by blocking the effects of a stress hormone called adrenaline, which makes the heart beat harder and faster. By reducing adrenaline, beta blockers lower heart rate and blood pressure, making it easier for your heart to pump blood.

Beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety such as excessive sweating, racing heart, shaky hands and trembling. While they can be highly effective for managing occasional, situational anxiety, there are some pros and cons that should be considered.

The Benefits of Beta Blockers

Effective for managing the physical symptoms of anxiety. This makes beta blockers popular among performers and public speakers.
Fast-acting. The effects are almost immediate with no need for the medication to build up in the system. Many other anti-anxiety medications can take weeks before optimal results are achieved.
Non-sedating and non-habit forming. Beta blockers don’t cause drowsiness or carry a risk of dependency, making them a safer option for occasional use.
Minimal cognitive impact. Beta blockers don’t alter brain chemistry or cause mental fog. This allows users to stay alert and focused, which is crucial for tasks requiring mental clarity like public speaking or test-taking.

The Risks of Beta Blockers

Limited to physical symptoms. Beta blockers do not address the psychological symptoms of anxiety, such as racing thoughts, worry or fear.
Potential side effects. While generally well tolerated, beta blockers can cause side effects such as shortness of breath, constipation, fatigue, mood changes or dizziness, particularly in those with pre-existing conditions. However, when only taken occasionally for situational anxiety, the risk of side effects is lower than with daily use.
Not suitable for everyone. Beta blockers are not recommended for people with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes or low blood pressure. They can also interact with other medications, so a thorough medical evaluation is necessary before starting treatment.

Weighing the Decision

When used for anxiety, beta blockers are intended for occasional use, not as part of an ongoing treatment plan for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which is best managed by a mental health provider.

If you’re curious about beta blockers to help manage occasional anxiety, consult a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms, medical history and treatment goals. Combining beta blockers with other approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness or lifestyle changes may provide a more holistic way to manage anxiety.